Joe Mazzulla Posts, Then Deletes Comment About Knicks Coach Thibodeau – Raises Eyebrows Across NBA
Tensions may be rising behind the scenes in the NBA after Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla posted a cryptic but pointed message about New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau on X (formerly Twitter), only to delete it four minutes later. The now deleted post, has sparked speculation about growing friction among NBA coaches regarding Thibodeau’s controversial in-game methods.
screenshots and user comments confirm that it alluded to frustrations with Thibodeau’s intense game management style and perhaps broader issues of sportsmanship and strategy.
Multiple users suggested that Mazzulla had been told by the Celtics front office to remove the post to avoid fueling controversy, though this has not been confirmed.
the x post read;
“Hard to teach discipline when others reward chaos. Some call it coaching others call it reckless. The game wasn’t basketball, it was something else. We play the right way, even if it costs us. Tough to compete when the game turns into a wrestling match. At some point, physicality crosses the line”#Accountability #NBA #Celtics
While Mazzulla did not name Thibodeau directly in the post, insiders close to the Celtics confirmed the message was a reaction to the Knicks’ aggressive defensive strategy and late-game decisions, which some viewed as excessive with the game already out of reach. The Celtics, visibly frustrated on the bench during the final minutes, suffered their second straight loss against the surging Knicks, prompting further scrutiny.
“It’s rare to see Joe express anything controversial publicly,” said one Eastern Conference scout. “So even a deleted post is a big deal, especially given the rivalry and timing.”
The deleted post has also added weight to what appears to be a growing pattern of unease among NBA coaches about Thibodeau’s approach. Known for his intense, no-let-up style and reliance on short rotations, Thibodeau has long drawn both praise and criticism from around the league. Some respect his grit and work ethic; others believe his tactics wear players down and cross unwritten boundaries of game management etiquette.
Mazzulla is not the only NBA coach to have voiced concerns, either publicly or behind closed doors. According to league sources, at least two other coaches have privately expressed frustration to league officials regarding Thibodeau’s in-game decisions, especially in blowout scenarios.
While none have gone on record, the league office is believed to be aware of the mounting tension and has quietly reminded teams to uphold mutual respect, especially in high-profile matchups and televised games.
“NBA coaching is a fraternity,” said a former coach turned analyst. “When someone breaks the unspoken rules, it sends ripples. Mazzulla’s deleted post shows those ripples are now visible.”
As of now, the Boston Celtics have declined to comment on the deleted post or Mazzulla’s intentions. Sources say the coaching staff and PR team discussed the matter internally but do not plan to make any public statement unless directly addressed by media in upcoming press conferences.
Mazzulla himself has maintained radio silence since the post, and it remains unclear whether he will address the situation or let it fade amid the ongoing regular season grind.
With the playoffs on the horizon and the Celtics and Knicks potentially set for a postseason clash, the deleted post could add new fuel to an already fiery rivalry. More broadly, it highlights ongoing tensions within the league surrounding coaching philosophies, player welfare, and unwritten codes of conduct.
